Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods Question about moving the battery...

Hey guys,

I finally got an Optima red top which is going in the trunk. I just want to clarify some things before I dive headlong into this...

1) Is there an existing hole or "plug" in the floorboard that I can route the power cable through? (I want to route the cable through the interior).

2) Has anyone also moved the fuse box back there? How much extra work would that entail?

3) What existing "landmarks" in the trunk have some of you used for bolting the box down and grounding?

Again, TIA

1) for routing, most people have pulled up the carpet and ran it underneath there. It is also possible to run them under the door sills, though it will be kind of tight considering the wire is you will use will be most likely going to be 2 ga.

2) Haven't heard of anyone doing this and as far as I know it would be a hell of a lot more hassle than it would be worth (if it's even possible?)

3) The best place to mount the battery is behind the passenger side wheel well...gives the best balance when you're driving alone.

HTH

If you remove the two peices under the windshield wipers(see cabin filter change how-to) there is
an existing hole on the drivers side. It can be a pain to get to but can make for a clean install.

I moved mine to the trunk and I went with 0 gauge wire. I am not happy with how I routed the battery, but currently the battery is routed through the fender above the splash gaurd through a pre-existing hole. I will find a better place this summer to get it through. I put plastic wire covering over the wire and taped up the wire covering so no water will ever get to it. I drilled up through the floor by the step plate. I then ran it under the carpet all the way back to the driverside wheel well. I never thought of the passenger side, but I have the stock CD changer there still so until I move it or get a different one it is staying put.

Otherwise some precautions I took were:
I have a 200amp fuse before the battery and up front in the engine I have a 150amp circuit breaker. I already blew one 200amp fuse so it was worth it . I am pretty sure the fuse was just bad though because 200amps is a lot of current and those fuses should hold for like 5 seconds under 200amps.

Email me if you have any questions:
svt0@hotmail.com

later,
Chris